(Canton, OH) May 14, 2020 – As of May 14, with the help of local foundations, workplaces and individuals, we have raised a total of $182,683.91 to help workers who have had their hours reduced because of the pandemic and need assistance paying their rent or mortgage. To date, we have been able to help 130 households maintain financial stability in this time of uncertainty.
“Our community has an amazing willingness to work together and support each other,” says Maria Heege, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Stark County. “United Way is very proud to be part of this community. We are very fortunate that many agencies were able to adapt their services to face the current challenges and find new ways to help people. The world is becoming more connected each day, and with many obstacles still ahead, we will all find even more new ways to work together. By remaining proactive, we will celebrate in the togetherness of our resilient community.”
If you, or someone you know, has lost their job or have reduced hours because of the pandemic, you may be eligible to receive one-time assistance with your rent or mortgage payment. Have them visit uwstark.org/covid or call 330-491-9960 to submit an application. Support will be given to those meeting the eligibility requirements and until funding is exhausted.
Many of our partner agencies have also responded to the heightened need in the community caused by Coronavirus, creating new ways to assist people in need: TomTod Ideas is curating original content daily that is delivered via social media or email; YWCA Alliance Meals on Wheels Plus travels door-to-door in Alliance Towers to provide boxed meals to each subscriber; Stark Housing Network, Inc. works with Emergency Management Agency and others to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of individuals dealing with homelessness; SPARK Alliance and Massillon SPARK are connecting with families virtually; Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health and CommQuest Services, Inc. have moved many of their services to telehealth to ensure access to mental health services; Beacon Charitable Pharmacy is maintaining full operations and offering curbside service; Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc. tutoring online; Community Legal Aid added Ask a Lawyer Live sessions to their social media.
If you have given to United Way’s COVID-19 Impact Fund, thank you. Your contribution has provided financial assistance to your neighbor, giving them relief during their hardship.
- “Thank You United Way for helping our family during this hard time during Covid-19. Our jobs stopped with no warning. Our rent was almost 3 months behind. United Way helped get us caught up, where now we just need to worry month to month now. Again, thank you”! – Sherrie & Mike
- “I would like to say that the program was such a blessing and the young woman that helped me with the process (Flo) also lent her ear to let me cry and talk. She helped me more than she knows. Thank you so much. Thank you so much and bless everyone.” – Carolyn
- “Receiving help from the Covid-19 Rent Assistance Program has shown me that I am a part of a community that truly cares. Being able to get assistance in the time I needed it most, truly helped me, and I am beyond grateful. It relieved me of the stress and worry of not being able to pay my rent due to the unexpected mass layoff. Thank you is not enough for those who continue to make this program possible.” – Elizabeth
If you have not yet given, please consider donating today if you are able. The need is still great in our community. As of May 14, the dollars requested for assistance with rent and mortgage totals $186,628.49. To give to your neighbors in need, please visit uwstark.org/covid or text STARK to 50503 today.
If you, or someone you know needs assistance finding food, paying utilities, or other essential services, please call 2-1-1. 2-1-1 connects individuals and families with information on support services and community programs that can help every day and especially now, during this crisis. 2-1-1 is available 24/7/365 by calling 2-1-1, visiting 211stark.org or texting your zip code to 898-211.
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities in Greater Stark County. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit www.uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.